Striker Kyle Lafferty has returned to English football after signing a short-term deal with League One club Sunderland.
The 32-year-old, who was a free agent following his brief stint in Norwegian football with Sarpsborg 08, will remain with the Black Cats until the end of the current season.
Speaking to the club website boss Phil Parkinson said: “I’m pleased to welcome Kyle to the club and I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“He’s an experienced striker who provides us with another option in the final third. He adds competition for places at the top end of the pitch, which is something I felt we needed.”
The Enniskillen-born forward, who has scored 20 goals in 75 appearances for his country, joins up with fellow Northern Ireland internationals Tom Flanagan, Will Grigg and Conor McLaughlin at the Stadium of Light.
Meanwhile, under-19 Internationals Carl Johnston and Dylan Boyle have signed their first professional contracts with League One side Fleetwood Town.
Both players have been regulars in Town’s under-18 set-up this season and youth team coach Simon Wiles was delighted their progress at the club has been rewarded.
“It is brilliant news that both Dylan and Carl have both been offered professional contracts,” said Wiles.
“They have been perfect professionals whilst playing in the Under 18s and I’m confident they will be able to show the same qualities throughout their careers.
“I look forward to seeing how they both develop as they progress through the ranks at Fleetwood Town.”
